The petition
Full petition text
Dear Mr President,
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Switzerland, respectfully submit this petition to express our concerns regarding human rights, democratic governance, the rule of law and political inclusion in Bangladesh.
Many of us have close family, social, cultural and community ties with Bangladesh. Developments affecting democracy, political stability, fundamental freedoms, minority rights and the rule of law in Bangladesh therefore have a direct and continuing impact on our families and communities living within Switzerland.
Switzerland is founded on respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and human rights. These principles also form an important part of Switzerland's external relations and its engagement with international partners.
We therefore respectfully ask the President of the Swiss Confederation and the Swiss Federal Council, within Switzerland's competences and in the context of Swiss relations and cooperation with Bangladesh, to support democracy, human rights, political pluralism, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law.
We respectfully request that the President of the Swiss Confederation, the Swiss Federal Council and relevant Swiss authorities:
Political participation and inclusive democracy
Encourage the Government of Bangladesh to remove the ban on the Bangladesh Awami League through due constitutional and legal process, ensuring the participation of all peaceful political parties in a free, fair, credible and inclusive democratic process. We respectfully ask Switzerland to encourage political pluralism and ensure that its engagement with Bangladesh promotes peaceful political participation, democratic representation and respect for fundamental political rights.
Rule of law and access to justice
Encourage Bangladesh to uphold judicial independence, due process, fair trials and equality before the law, regardless of political affiliation, and in accordance with its Constitution and international human-rights obligations.
Human-rights investigations and accountability
Encourage independent, credible and impartial investigations into allegations of human-rights violations, including politically motivated violence, attacks against minorities, arbitrary arrests and abuses by state or non-state actors, with accountability through lawful and transparent processes where violations are established.
Protection from serious human-rights abuses
Call for effective measures to prevent extrajudicial killings, torture, custodial deaths and arbitrary detention, and to protect human dignity and fundamental freedoms.
Protection of minorities and vulnerable communities
Encourage effective protection for religious and other minorities, women, children, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable communities, and promote equality, tolerance and freedom from discrimination.
Opposition to extremism and political violence
Support measures that promote religious tolerance, pluralism and peaceful democratic participation, while opposing religious extremism, hatred, intimidation and political violence.
Swiss engagement with Bangladesh
Encourage Switzerland to ensure that democracy, human rights, political pluralism, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law remain important principles in its political dialogue, cooperation and wider relations with Bangladesh.
We believe that lasting peace, stability and prosperity in Bangladesh can best be achieved through inclusive democratic participation, political pluralism, judicial independence, equal justice, protection of minorities, respect for fundamental freedoms and rejection of extremism and political violence.
We therefore respectfully request that the President of the Swiss Confederation and the Swiss Federal Council consider this petition and, where appropriate within Switzerland's competences, bring these concerns to the attention of the relevant Swiss authorities and institutions.
We further ask Switzerland to continue constructive engagement with Bangladesh in support of democratic principles, human rights and the rule of law, for the benefit of the people of Bangladesh and citizens and residents of Switzerland who maintain close family and community ties with Bangladesh.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Yours faithfully,
The undersigned citizens and residents of Switzerland